Power Systems Research (PSR) is an international research company based in St. Paul, Minnesota, USA. It operates a second North America office in Detroit, Mich., and has offices in five other countries. PSR analysts have been collecting and analyzing global engine and powertrain data and information since 1976, and we use this data to develop targeted forecasts by industry segment and region.
Our team of experienced analysts works with OEMs, engine and component manufacturers, dealers, fleet managers and industry experts to compile detailed and focused data that has become an industry standard. It’s the leading source of global information on engines and power equipment powered by IC and alternate sources. Whether you need detailed global data, forecasts or customized local market studies, we can provide you with Data, Forecasting and Solutions. Let’s start today.
China has developed EV battery technology using all-solid-state batteries that may be the key to unlocking longer range, faster charging, and overall, more EVs.
According to a report from China Central Television (CCTV), scientists achieved three breakthroughs that could be key to unlocking the next-generation battery tech and allow a 100 kg battery pack to deliver over 1,000 km (620 miles) of range.
PSR Analysis: It’s great to see progress in solid state battery technology leading to cutting weight and cost, increasing usable space inside the vehicle and improving handling and efficiency. But the key here is that it isn’t who makes it first, it’s who makes it better, cheaper and more efficiently, and the likes of CATL and BYD have proved that they make it better. PSR
Guy Youngs is Forecast and Technology Adoption Lead at Power Systems Research
The signs of a freight recovery that appeared early this year are gone, replaced by a tough market where recovery will have to come from a supply-side correction, American Trucking Associations’ Chief Economist Bob Costello said at ATA’s 2025 Management Conference & Exhibition in San Diego.
Costello delivered a blunt and sobering economic warning: new tariffs, persistent stagflation, and a slowing labor market have created “absolutely unsustainable” conditions for many carriers, and the only way out, at least near-term, is to erase capacity from the highway.
“It’s not easy to talk about because it’s people’s livelihoods, but it’s a necessary evil,” Costello said, noting that freight demand is unlikely to improve anytime soon. “This has got to be a supply-driven change in the market.”
The current 18% effective tariff rate, nearly six times higher than it was during the first Trump administration, is a level not seen since the 1930s. Costello warned that the industry is only in the “bottom of the second or top of the third inning” of feeling the impact. “Any benefits of putting tariffs on foreign goods… are years in the future, but the cost hits much quicker,” he said.
General Motors’ decision to end development of its next generation Hydrotec fuel cells for vehicles marked the close of a long, careful experiment. After years of research, pilot programs, and cautious optimism, GM finally acknowledged what the energy math had been showing for years: Hydrogen fuel cells are not a viable pathway for road transportation.
GM has been exploring hydrogen vehicles since 1966. GM framed its decision in practical terms. The company cited high costs, limited infrastructure, and low consumer demand. There are only about 60 hydrogen refueling stations in the United States.
In October, the Chinese government introduced new export controls on key dual-use items, citing national security concerns. The move affected the export of rare earths which are critical to all aspects of modern life (such as mobile phone, computers and EVs) (Click here to read about this). China manufacturers 80% to 90% of the world’s rare earths.
In response, US President Donald Trump threatened to impose an additional 100% tariff on Chinese goods and export controls on “critical” software beginning Nov. 1. These measures would come on top of the existing 30% tariff already in place.
Lithium metal batteries have become the cornerstone for future power systems due to their high energy storage capacity. Now, Chinese scientists have developed a new battery system that could enable lithium cells to operate safely for thousands of hours, an advance that could lead to better batteries for electric vehicles and power grids.
However, the current liquid electrolytes in these cells pose several risks, including leakage and combustion, and the growth of lithium metal inside batteries into needle-like or branch-like structures during charging (called dendrites), can compromise battery safety and performance.
All-solid-state batteries may be the key to unlocking longer range, faster charging, and overall, more efficient electric vehicles. While America steps back from EVs, scientists in China have made a series of breakthroughs, and overcome several hurdles that have been holding the new EV battery tech from hitting the market.
According to a report from China Central Television (CCTV), scientists achieved three breakthroughs that could be key to unlocking the next-generation battery tech and allow a 100 kg battery pack to deliver over 1,000 km (620 miles) of range.
9,500 units is the estimate by Power Systems Research of the number of Tractor/Loader/Backhoes expected to be produced in North America during 2025.
Tractor/Loader/Backhoes (TLBs) are full-size machines that are three pieces of construction equipment combined into one: the tractor, the loader and the backhoe. These units are designed to tackle an array of construction and agricultural related activities.
This product information comes from industry interviews and from two proprietary databases maintained by Power Systems Research: EnginLink™ , which provides information on engines, and OE Link™, a database of equipment manufacturers. PSR
Carol Turner is Senior Analyst, Global Operationsfor Power Systems Research
In the November 2025 issue of the Alternative Power Report produced by Power Systems Research and authored by Guy Youngs, you’ll find articles on General Motors halting production of Hydrogen fuel cells; China develops all-solid-state EV batteries with 620 mile range; plummeting battery prices will push BEVs below parity soon, and Chinese battery breakthrough could extend lithium cell lifespan by 9,000 hours. Read these articles and more in the November Alternative Power Report today. PSR
Guy Youngs is Forecast and Technology Adoption Lead at Power Systems Research
Jack Prince has joined Power Systems Research as a business development manager. He’ll be working out of the Ann Arbor, MI, office. Jack brings over 25 years of business development and commercialization experience to the global automotive and mobility industries. He uses research and data to help clients identify market opportunities and improve business efficiency while enhancing product performance.
Jack has advised emerging ventures on market discovery, product strategy, and investor engagement. His experience includes supporting global ventures in electromechanical systems, radar and sensor technologies, structural plastics, SaaS platforms, and vehicle access solutions.
Jack holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration and is currently completing an Executive MBA at Michigan State University. PSR
St. Paul, MN— The Power Systems Research Truck Production Index (PSR-TPI) decreased from 117 to 107, or -8.5%, for the three-month period ending Sept. 30, 2025, from Q2 2025. The year-over-year (Q3 2024 to Q3 2025) loss for the PSR-TPI was, 109 to 107, or -1.8%.
The PSR-TPI measures truck production globally and across six regions: North America, China, Europe, South America, Japan & Korea and Emerging Markets.
This data comes from OE Link™, the proprietary database maintained by Power Systems Research.
